Renacci, who earlier this week jumped from the Republican gubernatorial primary to the U.S. Senate race to unseat Sen. Sherrod Brown, has pinned his political hopes on Trump and his populist appeal.

"I know it's difficult for the president, because many times you want to say what you are thinking," Renacci told Fox News. "But in the end, I know a lot of times he is saying what people are thinking."

Renacci is banking Ohioans will agree with him. He said he expects Trump will campaign for him in Ohio. Renacci jumped into the Senate race this week after Republican frontrunner and Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel dropped out, citing his wife's health.

Renacci waited for a call from the White House pledging Trump's support before taking Mandel's place on the ticket. That call came through Tuesday night, Renacci told Fox News.

Renacci, a Cleveland area businessman, has been in Congress since 2011, but has postured himself as an outsider, similar to Trump.